Foot fractures can sometimes be mistaken for ankle sprains because both injuries cause pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. A fracture happens when a bone in the foot breaks, either from a sudden injury or repeated stress over time. An ankle sprain, on the other hand, involves stretched or torn ligaments. Since the symptoms can look very similar, it is easy to miss a fracture without proper evaluation. A podiatrist will ask how the injury happened and examine the foot for tenderness, bruising, and movement issues. Imaging tests like X-rays are usually needed to confirm whether a bone is broken. Missing a fracture can lead to delayed healing, ongoing pain, or long-term foot problems. If you have an injury that is not improving as expected, or the pain seems worse than a typical sprain, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Broken ankles need immediate treatment. If you are seeking treatment, contact Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet. 

Broken Ankles
A broken ankle is experienced when a person fractures their tibia or fibula in the lower leg and ankle area. Both of these bones are attached at the bottom of the leg and combine to form what we know to be our ankle.

When a physician is referring to a break of the ankle, he or she is usually referring to a break in the area where the tibia and fibula are joined to create our ankle joint. Ankles are more prone to fractures because the ankle is an area that suffers a lot of pressure and stress. There are some obvious signs when a person experiences a fractured ankle, and the following symptoms may be present.

Symptoms of a Fractured Ankle

• Excessive pain when the area is touched or when any pressure is placed on the ankle
•  Swelling around the area
•  Bruising of the area
• Area appears to be deformed

If you suspect an ankle fracture, it is recommended to seek treatment as soon as possible. The sooner you have your podiatrist diagnose the fracture, the quicker you’ll be on the way towards recovery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

As people age, maintaining ankle strength and balance becomes essential for staying mobile and independent. Weakness in the feet and ankles can lead to instability, making everyday movements riskier and increasing the likelihood of falls. Gentle exercises that target the small muscles in the feet and the supportive structures surrounding the ankle can lead to noticeable improvements in strength, coordination, and confidence while walking. These exercises do not require special equipment and can often be done while sitting or holding onto a chair for balance. With regular practice, older adults may find they move with more ease, recover more quickly from stumbles, and feel more secure in navigating uneven surfaces. Strengthening this often-overlooked part of the body plays a valuable role in falls prevention and overall wellness. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury, or are concerned about balance or ankle weakness, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition that affects blood flow to certain areas of the body, most commonly the fingers and toes. It occurs when small blood vessels narrow in response to cold temperatures or stress, limiting circulation to the affected areas. This can cause the feet to feel cold, numb, or painful, and they may change color from white to blue before returning to normal. The exact cause of Raynaud's phenomenon is not always clear, but it is often linked to autoimmune conditions, vascular disorders, or prolonged exposure to cold environments. Managing symptoms includes keeping the feet warm, avoiding triggers, and improving circulation through exercise and stress management. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you visit a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose the problem, and offer effective relief methods.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Foot and ankle injuries are frequent in athletes, whether from high-impact sports like basketball or repetitive activities such as running. Sprains, fractures, tendonitis, and overuse injuries can sideline even the most dedicated athletes, if not properly managed. Effective treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. A detailed assessment of how the injury occurred, along with a physical exam and imaging when necessary, helps identify the extent of the damage. Early intervention is key. Rest, compression, and elevation are often the first steps taken to reduce pain and swelling. Supportive devices, such as braces or orthotics, may be recommended to protect the injured area and prevent further damage. Target exercises focus on restoring strength, flexibility, and balance to the foot and ankle. A gradual return to sport is important to avoid setbacks. To prevent future injuries, athletes may need to adjust footwear, training routines, or technique. If you have an active lifestyle and have incurred a foot or ankle injury, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

Ankle and foot injuries are common among athletes and in many sports. They can be caused by several problems and may be potentially serious. If you are feeling pain or think you were injured in a sporting event or when exercising, consult with Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Common Injuries

The most common injuries that occur in sporting activities include:

• Achilles Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains
• Broken Foot
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Stress Fractures
• Turf Toe

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending upon the injury and in some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. However, in most cases, some form of symptom is experienced. Pain, aching, burning, bruising, tenderness, tightness or stiffness, sensation loss, difficulty moving, and swelling are the most common symptoms.

Treatment

Just as symptoms vary depending upon the injury, so do treatment options. A common treatment method is known as the RICE method. This method involves rest, applying ice, compression and elevating the afflicted foot or ankle. If the injury appears to be more serious, surgery might be required, such as arthroscopic or reconstructive surgery. Lastly, rehabilitation or therapy might be needed to gain full functionality in the afflicted area. Any discomfort experienced by an athlete must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat various ankle joint conditions, such as cartilage damage or ankle impingement. Small incisions allow an arthroscope to visualize the joint and perform repairs, reducing recovery time compared to traditional surgery. Recovery from ankle arthroscopy typically involves rest to minimize swelling, followed by targeted exercises to regain strength and mobility. Patients may resume driving within a few weeks and return to work or sports within four to eight weeks, depending on individual progress and the nature of activities. For personalized guidance on post-operative care and to ensure optimal recovery, consulting a podiatrist is recommended. This type of doctor provides specialized expertise in foot and ankle health, ensuring thorough rehabilitation and long-term joint function. It is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for tailored advice and support throughout your ankle arthroscopy journey.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Vincent, Vess from Fourth River Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Pittsburgh, White Oak, and McKeesport,PA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.